Choose a toy size that is appropriate for your dog’s size.
It’s perfectly fine for your dog to play with the toy for more than 45 minutes a day. The longer your dog plays with the toy, the more likely the toy will correct the teeth alignment issues.
Consider taking a picture of your dog’s teeth before your dog starts playing with the hard rubber toy. Then, take another picture a week or two later. Compare the two pictures to determine if there’s been any improvement in teeth alignment.
Vets recommend placing an inclined plate in a dog’s mouth between 7 and 9 months of age. It fits over a dog’s upper teeth and works by directing the lower canines into their proper positions. [3] X Research source
Your vet may make what’s called a telescoping inclined plane so it does not stop your dog’s jaw from growing.
If you regularly brush your dog’s teeth, it may be a little more challenging to do so with the inclined plane. Talk to your vet about how to brush your dog’s teeth while the inclined plane is in place.
If your dog’s lower canine teeth are misaligned, your vet will remove enough of the crown so the teeth no longer touch the roof of your dog’s mouth. [9] X Research source Removing some of the exposed pulp and applying the medication and protective barrier is called vital pulp therapy. [10] X Research source
If the vital pulp therapy was not successful, your vet may need to perform the procedure again.
